RESEARCH PORTFOLIO PAPER ENGLISH 12
MLA format In-Text Citations in your paper from each source
thesis - the argument you are making about your topic
How does the idea of the monster / supernatural evolve throughout the time periods and works we’ve studied this year?
The Tyger
The lamb
The chimney sweeper
Coleridge Samuel Taylor
The rime of ancient mariner
Kubla Khan the rime of the ancient mariner
Frankenstein
Sonnet the world is to much with us
I wandered lonley as a cloud
Throughout the time periods and works we have studied this year, the idea of the monster/supernatural has evolved in various ways. From William Blake's contrasting poems "The Tyger" and "The Lamb," to Samuel Taylor Coleridge's dark and mysterious "The Rime of the Ancient Mariner," the representation of the supernatural has shifted and transformed.
In "The Tyger," Blake presents a fearsome and ferocious creature, symbolizing the darker aspects of nature and humanity. The poem explores the duality of good and evil, with the tiger embodying a sense of awe and terror. In contrast, "The Lamb" depicts a gentle and innocent creature, reflecting the kindness and purity in the world.
Coleridge's "The Rime of the Ancient Mariner" delves into themes of guilt, redemption, and the supernatural. The mariner's encounter with the ghostly ship and the curse of the albatross highlights the consequences of disrupting the natural order. The poem also incorporates elements of the supernatural, such as the mysterious figure of Death and the spectral crew of the ghost ship.
Mary Shelley's "Frankenstein" further explores the concept of the monster, this time in the form of a man-made creation. The creature, often referred to as Frankenstein's monster, challenges societal norms and raises questions about the nature of humanity. Through the monster's experiences and actions, Shelley delves into the complexities of human emotions and morality.
In Wordsworth's sonnet "The World is Too Much With Us," the speaker laments the disconnect between humanity and nature. The poem reflects on the loss of a spiritual connection with the natural world and the detrimental effects of industrialization. The speaker longs for a deeper appreciation of the supernatural elements of the world, seeking solace in nature's beauty.
In conclusion, the idea of the monster/supernatural has evolved throughout the time periods and works we have studied this year, from ancient myths and folklore to more modern interpretations in literature. Each text offers a unique perspective on the supernatural, exploring themes of nature, humanity, and morality. As society progresses, the representation of the monster/supernatural continues to evolve, reflecting our changing perceptions and fears.